All Wales Drugs Expert Witness CPD Event Brings Leading Voices Together

The All Wales Drugs Expert Witness professional development event was held on Friday, 12 December 2025, attracting over 100 Drugs Expert Witnesses from North Wales, Gwent, Dyfed Powys, South Wales, Avon & Somerset, and the National Crime Agency (NCA). The event was supported by DEWVA, the national drug expert witness association for law enforcement, and organised by DEWVA committee member and former Chair, Dick Gregory. Detective Superintendent Mark Lewis, South Wales Police Force Drugs Lead, opened proceedings, welcoming a diverse audience that included Public Health partners, representatives from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and Drug Forensic Scientists.

 Key sessions addressed the current state of the global drug market as it impacts the UK, emerging street drugs, and the disclosure obligations of expert witnesses, with contributions from leading voices such as Steve Dorans (NCA), Julie Jenkin and Sarah Watkins (SWP JSIU), and senior lecturers Claire Pickthall & Sarah Waters from Cardiff University. The event also provided valuable networking opportunities and concluded with a closing session and questions.

A CPS Lawyer in attendance commented, “I found the day incredibly interesting and worthwhile. I would be keen on attending any further such conferences and think that it is important for CPS to have a presence at them.”

The event was widely praised for its informative sessions and collaborative atmosphere, strengthening partnerships vital to tackling drug-related crime and supporting the criminal justice system.